Crabtree calls return to practice field ‘cool’

Michael Crabtree made an encouraging return to the 49ers practice field Tuesday, catching passes alongside teammates for the first time since an Achilles tear May 21.

“It was cool, man,” Crabtree said afterward in the locker room.

Wearing red gloves along with a long-sleeved red shirt under his red No. 15 jersey, more pertinent was the high-top cleat Crabtree wore. But he didn’t pick that model to help support his repaired left right Achilles, stating he simply likes to “change it up” between a low- or high-top style.

Aside from those brief comments, Crabtree is expected to fully address the media on Wednesday.

Crabtree’s return started a three-week clock for the 49ers to evaluate him before he must come off the physically-unable-to-perform list.

If the 49ers wait that whole window before activating him, he’ll miss Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers and back-to-back road games at New Orleans and Washington. After that comes home games against division rivals St. Louis (Dec. 1) and Seattle (Dec. 8).

“To see Crab out there, I was shouting at him from the other side of the field and was just so happy to see him,” running back Anthony Dixon said. “He may not be a captain on paper, but he is out there with his play.”

Crabtree set career highs last seasons (85 receptions, 1,105 yards, nine touchdowns) in helping the 49ers to the Super Bowl and becoming Colin Kaepernick’s most popular target.

The 49ers (6-2) and quarterback have missed Crabtree’s production. They rank last in the league in passing yards per game, predictably relying on wideout Anquan Boldin and tight end Vernon Davis.

Mario Manningham, last season’s second-leading receiver, was activated off the PUP list Monday and could play as soon as Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Manningham said Tuesday that his practice sessions have gone “real good.”